Ranch Road Resiliency
Ranch roads can be a constant maintenance task if not designed well. There are several spots the property that can be reshaped to minimize erosion and thus minimize maintenance. The primary design element that is use is called a “Rolling Dip.” It is subtle solution to low maintenance road construction that blend in to the landscape.
The Rolling Dip:
the most basic and most reliable cross drain for ranch roads
Designing Rolling Dips
Key aspects of…
Educational
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch, Mulch…
Make all your watering and weeding efforts last by mulching around plantings and in pathways to minimize evaporation and compaction which keeps the soil moist longer, increases overall infiltration of waterings and suppresses unwanted plants.
o GO THICK! We recommend for most plantings a 2-3” layer of mulch but 4” is even better for perennials.
o LET YOUR PLANTS BREATHE! Most annuals feel cozy surrounded by a blanket of mulch but many perennials, especially woody plants such as shrubs and fruit trees prefer a little breathing room. Give these plants several inches clearance at their base to avoid fungal and other…
Seasonal Tips
Orchard Guilding
What is “Guilding”?
Guilding (or companion planting) is a specific polyculture technique used to improve fertility, confuse pests, attract beneficial insects, as well as provide increased yields. Guilds are typically set up around a central fruit tree and consist of several plant species that performs one or more functions that benefit others in the vicinity, as well as interacting with animal species and soil microorganisms to create a resilient ecosystem.
Some KEY FUNCTIONS to be sure to include when designing a Fruit Tree Guild are:
Suppress (reduce competition with grasses & weeds)
Attract (lure in pollinators & predators of pests)
Repel…
Educational
JUNE BLOOM!
Summer is here in Sonoma County! And to make sure your garden and home landscape is ready, we have put together a few tips.
As always, WISE-WATER USE is key to success here in Sonoma County. So let’s start with a few things you can do to optimize the water you use to maintain your garden and landscape:
REDUCE THE DEMAND by Replacing Your Lawn with drought-tolerant plantings such as natives and Mediterranean species. Checkout the many rebate programs available in our area!
FOCUS THE FLOW by Utilizing Drip Irrigation to minimize water-usage by allowing for consistent yet adjustable flow directly where…
Seasonal Tips, Summer
Tiny Houses
There are numerous versions of tiny house design so we have decided to break things down into three main styles.
The Cottage – cheerful & bright
The A-frame – transforming
The Cargo Box – modern
The Cabin – rustic
Educational
What to plant in June?
GREENS:
LETTUCE(heat-tolerant varieties this month), Feb-Oct, C, D/T, 50-60 days to maturity SWISS CHARD, Feb-Aug, C, D/T, 60-80 days to maturity KALE, Mar-Nov, C, D/T, 65-75 days to maturity
ROOT VEGGIES:
BEETS, Mar-Aug, C, D, 55-70 days to maturity CARROTS, Mar-Sep, C, D, 70-90 days to maturity
ALLIUMS:
LEEKS, Feb-Jul, C, T, 120-150 days to maturity ONION, BUNCHING, Mar-Oct, C, D/T, 70-80 days to maturity
OTHER VEGGIES:
ASPARAGUS (seedlings), Apr-Jun, C, T, 4 yrs to maturity from seedlings OKRA, Apr-Jun, W, T, 70-80 days to maturity PEPPERS, Apr-Jun, W+, T, 65-85 days to maturity PUMPKINS, Apr-Jun, W, D/T, 100-115 days to maturity TOMATILLOS, Apr-Jun, W, T, 70-80 days to maturity TOMATOES, Apr-Jun, W+, T, 50-90 days to maturity CORN, SWEET, Apr-Jul, W, D, 65-110 days to maturity CUCUMBERS, Apr-Jul, W+, D/T, 50-70 days to maturity SQUASH, SUMMER, Apr-Jul, W, D/T, 50-60 days to maturity MELONS, May-Jun, W+, D/T, 85-120 days to maturity PARSNIPS, May-Jun, C, D, 90-120 days to maturity SQUASH, WINTER, May-Jun, W, D/T, 80-120 days to maturity BEAN, POLE, May-Jul, W, D, 60-70 days to maturity BEAN, BUSH, May-Sep, W, D, 55-65 days to maturity ARTICHOKES, May-Sep, C, D/T, 130-190 days to maturity CARDOON, May-Sep, C, T, 180 days to maturity CELERY, Jun-Jul, C, T, 120-170 days to maturity
Seasonal Tips, Spring, Summer
Fall/Winter Garden: What you can do… RIGHT NOW!
Take Out Your Lawn, sheet mulch, get it ready for planting in the Spring
Plant!!!… winter vegetables, perennials, cover crop, culinary herbs, etc.
Amend plants and mulch bare soil
Divide crowded perennials
Prune cane berries that have fruited
Sow wildflowers and bulbs
Use Row covers and cold frames to extend season
Move tender houseplants inside
Protect citrus trees for the frost
Adjust irrigation for seasonal weather changes
Preserve your harvest, can, dehydrate, sauce, juice, etc.
Fall, Seasonal Tips, Winter
Summer Tips
Summer is here! And to make sure your garden and home landscape is ready for the heat, we have put together a few tips.
As always, wise-water use is key to success here in Sonoma County…especially during summer months! ON AVERAGE, during the summer – your garden needs 1 inch of water per square foot per week (1 inch of water in a square foot = 0.623 gallons). So let’s start with a few things that you can do to optimize the water you use to maintain your garden and landscape:
REDUCE THE DEMAND by Replacing Your Lawn with drought-tolerant…
Seasonal Tips, Summer